One of my life’s joys is working with some amazing women in our church kitchen to provide meals for kiddos, our homebound, folks who just like yummy (and want to support our ministry), attendees at baby and wedding showers and for families during times of stress, loss and need. It is fun and fulfilling.

(Yep, I did notice the double meaning of “fulfilling”; I said what I said. 😀 And, yes, we do sample our creations!!)

I was making spaghetti the other night and went to the pantry – no garlic!! No garlic powder, garlic salt no mined garlic. Thank goodness a dear friend was able to make a garlic run for me. (You CANNOT make spaghetti and meatballs without garlic!)

Last night, we used the last gallon-sized ziplock bag. There were no stand-by boxes to be found!

My point? Hmmmm. I will be putting up a “if you used the last ___, please add it to the shopping list on the bulletin board” sign. And, I will create a shopping list form.

But that isn’t my point for telling you of my garlic and ziplock bag dilemma. No those things are just part of working in a kitchen. I am more interested in the things that are done around and for us that we rarely notice.

A few years ago, I listened to the recording of our wedding. For the first time I heard the entire organ prelude that welcomed our guests and set the tone for the ceremony. It was amazing. I had thanked the musician but I had never listened to all that she did to make our day very special. I sent her a FB message and our resulting conversation ended up with tears for both of us. She had paid a price to make that happen.

Someone is always paying a price for our benefit. There are no mythical elves.

Ever grab a cookie at a club meeting or reception? Most likely several someone’s paid a price for you to have that cookie. Even the plate and napkin were the result of labor and time.

My story about the garlic and zip lock bag sounded like I was doing something. Not really!! The spaghetti noodles were already in the pantry. Someone else put them there. The tableware was there because someone had made sure that there is plenty. There are a thousand things in that kitchen. We are a team and we all help out. I was just doing my part.

Everything we use everyday has cost someone something that we (or at least I) have ignored.

• I couldn’t find something at the Walmart and a clerk, who was shopping for others, helped me. One might say “That is their job.” But I know that those store shoppers are evaluated on speed and accuracy. I cost that woman time. Maybe I should be more patient with the store app.

• As I walked through the TSA lines seeing workers who showed up and were diligently doing their job without a pay check, I thanked them. But, maybe I should have picked up a case of Dinty Moore stew for their break room.
• My Mom and I usually talk twice a day. Friends have said that it is so nice that I call her. They have no idea how much I love and learn from those calls. I really need to thank Mom more!!!

As we start this holiday season, let’s recognize the sacrifices that so many people make to help us. Let’s not only say thank you, but recognize, engage and bless them.

And, I need to start with you. People listen to (or read) my silly stories. And I know that that costs time and kindness. I know that I could never say “thank you” to really pay you back, but thank you!!

Just a thought…

Love,

Jill (just one if God’s kids)

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians 5:18